spring
46 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN WOMEN’S TENNIS
ORIENTATION ISSUE 2023
MEN’S TENNIS
cats to bounce back searching for stars after rough season after players exit By ALYCE BROWN
daily senior staffer @alycebrownn
This past season was a struggle for the Wildcats, who went 12-13, 7-4 Big 10 and missed out on the NCAA tournament for the first time in 23 years. In the months since that difficult season drew to a close, the squad took another hit with the graduation of Christina Hand, who came into last season ranked No. 57, and Briana Crowley, two of the team’s top players. The loss of Hand and Crowley does not bode well for a team that has already been struggling, but a few graduate transfers will hope to fill the team’s experience gap. Britany Lau and Elisa Van
Meeteren will be coming to Evanston from Brown and William & Mary, respectively. The graduate transfers will bring with them experience in the NCAA tournament, and that familiarity will be incredibly valuable to this relatively young team. The Cats might also have some homegrown stars this season, as new players rise up to be leaders. Keep an eye on Maria Shusharina, a senior and All-Big 10 selection, to help lead the way. She has plenty of experience playing the top singles spot and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Junior Justine Leong will be a similar presence to watch as she continues to occupy the top singles courts. This season will be a tough one — but if the team’s younger core can come into their own, the Cats have a chance at pulling off a shocker. alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu
By ALYCE BROWN
daily senior staffer @alycebrownn
The Wildcats’ past few seasons have been a slow crescendo of success, always cut off a second too early. This past season, they went 21-10, 7-2 Big 10, but fell in the second round of the NCAA tournament. They flew as high up as No.12 in the rankings, on a mission to prove they can hang with top Big 10 contenders. For a team that’s been toeing the line of large-scale success, a gutting of their experienced roster is not ideal — but that’s exactly what the Wildcats will be contending with this upcoming season. The lineup will be losing Steven Forman, Ivan Yatsuk, Simen Bratholm and Trice Pickens, players who make up the team’s first through fourth singles slots and are large contenders in the doubles pairings. All of them — especially Forman — have been
the backbone of this team, and such an extensive roster change could point to a season focused on rebuilding. But don’t count them out. The younger side of this squad is ready for action, with seniors Presley Thieneman and Gleb Blekher, both with a long list of valuable singles wins last season, most likely leading the lineup. Junior Felix Nordby, with a good amount of singles experience, will also be a key player, followed up by junior Max Bengtsson, who got a couple rotations on the 6th court this season. Doubles will see a completely new trio of pairings after the top players’ exit, and will be an interesting space to watch as coach Arvid Swan tries out new duos. It could be a promising season for the Cats if the younger players can hold their own, but the lineup uncertainty will definitely make this a season to keep an eye on. alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu
LACROSSE
lines up for title defense, 9th national win By JAKE EPSTEIN
daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n
After securing its first national title since 2012, Northwestern enters the preseason primed for another shot at the game’s ultimate crown. The Wildcats, who capped a 21-game winning streak with an 18-6 thrashing of Boston College in the National Championship, return many of the key pieces that propelled coach Kelly Amonte Hiller’s team atop the collegiate landscape. mamammamjfjjfjfjfjf jajajajajaja
Graduate student attacker Izzy Scane, the 2023 women’s Tewaaraton Award winner, provides the nation’s most potent scoring presence. But, the Michigan native won’t be left on an island. Carrying one of the most well-rounded supporting casts in the NCAA, the Cats pack starpower at every position. Alongside Scane, graduate student attacker Erin Coykendall possesses a patented behindthe-back ability and game-altering vision, leading the most feared offense in the Big Ten — if not nationwide. Sophomore attacker Madison Taylor’s clever crashing acumen helped her take home Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, and the former
WEINBERG FRESHMEN
The world can be different, the world can be better.
Lead the way.
Wantagh Warrior looks to build on a 70-point output for the Lake Show. Although Hailey Rhatigan departed the program for graduation and took her game to the professional level in the Athletes Unlimited League, Amonte Hiller holds several options eager to step in. Perhaps redshirt freshman attacker Abby LoCascio will slot into Rhatigan’s role, or senior attacker Leah Holmes will reclaim her spot in the rotation. With Amonte Hiller and field hockey coach Tracey Fuchs bringing in dual-sport graduate transfer Lindsey Frank from Richmond, NU may have struck gold in the transfer portal for
the second consecutive season. Junior midfielder Samantha Smith maintains her command of the draw, while junior defender Samantha White will help with circle duties and stymie opposing attackers in the process. Despite entering the season with a national champion-sized target on their back, the Cats will be chomping at the bit to prove their prowess amongst some of the most talented teams in college sports. A successful title defense would do wonders for the team’s resume, adding a ninth national championship to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu
Do you ever wonder about national leaders in government, science, business, or community organizations? Do you ever wish they could be better—more thoughtful and reflective, more honest, more courageous, more dedicated? Do you ever think “I could do that better?” We think you can. The Brady Program in Ethics and Civic Life— A three-year academic program for Northwestern University students Sophomore Year Three sequential seminars titled: • “The Good Life” • “The Moral Life” • “The Good Society” Junior Year Study abroad at a location of your choice
The Brady Scholars Program in Ethics and Civic Life Make what you learn make a difference
APPLICATIONS DUE SPRING 2024 www.bradyprogram.northwestern.edu
Senior Year Senior Class Project Apply in the spring of your Freshman Year for a program dedicated to academic reflection from the tradition of the humanities, response from the global community, and the experience of the Evanston community.